Healthy Fats Reduce Chances of Bearing a Child with Autism (Premium)

According to a study from the Harvard School of Public Health, a mother’s intake of linoleic acid, an essential polyunsaturated fatty acid (omega-6) resulted in significantly less risk of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in her children. A 34% reduction in risk was noted between those with the highest intake of linoleic acid and those with the lowest.

In the research, dietary information was obtained on 317 mothers who reported a child with ASD and compared with that of 17,728 other mothers. In addition, women who consumed very low levels of omega-3 fatty acids were 53 percent more likely to have a child with autism compared with women who consumed average amounts.